Abstract: A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.

Abstract: A synchronization system is provided that distributes synchronization system-based applications and synchronization system-based application extensions and their associated resources and components (hereinafter “plug-in applications” or “plug-ins”). Components are maintained such that any synchronization system-based application instantiation may be changed or updated by the synchronization system. In one specific example using the synchronization system, each synchronization system-based application or plug-in is self-contained and self-updateable through a synchronization system synchronization process. A further benefit is that the synchronization system and synchronization system-based applications may be extended independent of device type or operating system. Thus, a system is provided for synchronizing one or more plug-in applications.

Abstract: A synchronization system is provided that distributes synchronization system-based applications and synchronization system-based application extensions and their associated resources and components (hereinafter “plug-in applications” or “plug-ins”). Components are maintained such that any synchronization system-based application instantiation may be changed or updated by the synchronization system. In one specific example using the synchronization system, each synchronization system-based application or plug-in is self-contained and self-updateable through a synchronization system synchronization process. A further benefit is that the synchronization system and synchronization system-based applications may be extended independent of device type or operating system. Thus, a system is provided for synchronizing one or more plug-in applications.